Radio/Rear Camera Display Unit Replacement

[Hullabaloo]

A metal tumbler fell and broke the glass on my Radio/Rear Camera Display screen. Now, it won't work at all. I either need to replace it or purchase something better.

Because the original is small and poorly placed, I would prefer to replace it with a unit that sits on the shelf between the driver's and the passenger's seat, with a bigger screen. I need help finding such a unit. It needs to able to be connected with the existing radio and rearview camera wiring.

Can anyone make a recommendation or have any suggestions?

 

[youracman]

Installed a JVC Model # KW-Z1000W a couple of years ago based on the recommendations of several owners over on the Facebook group. Pricey but it works well. Very large screen and you can view your toad (if you have one) continuously as you motor down the road. One good thing is that the radio fit perfectly in the OEM (Soundstream, in my case) radio mounting sleeve, so mechanically it was a piece of cake. Also, the factory customer service was great ……. you talk to a real live tech.

Take a lot of pics of the wiring mess back there before you disconnect anything no matter what replacement you choose. Unfortunately, the JVC projects out (toward the rear of the coach) an inch or two when installed so you still have to turn your head (quickly, of course) to view the side cameras before changing lanes…..at least on my 31UL. (You made me dig for the info, but I see you also have a 31UL.)

I’d buy the JVC again; I'm sure others are just as good.

Good luck with your project and good times and safe travels to ya.

 

[Hullabaloo]

Ed,
Thanks, so much for your response! You gave me great information. Knowing that it fits into the radio mounting sleeve is huge. I haven't found that information on any other product.

I see that the JVC comes with a separate backup camera, so I assume that we can't plug into the existing rear camera. Is the new camera easily installed and is it bluetooth operated or do I need to run wiring?

In the picture you sent, I didn't see a button for the rear camera. Can you easily access it while driving?

You're right, it's pricy but I need to replace it and I will be so happy to get rid of the Soundstream and to have a larger, easier to use screen.

Thanks again!
John Hull
2020 Precept 31UL

 

[youracman]

Ed,
Thanks, so much for your response! You gave me great information. Knowing that it fits into the radio mounting sleeve is huge. I haven't found that information on any other product.

I see that the JVC comes with a separate backup camera, so I assume that we can't plug into the existing rear camera. Is the new camera easily installed and is it bluetooth operated or do I need to run wiring?

In the picture you sent, I didn't see a button for the rear camera. Can you easily access it while driving?

You're right, it's pricy but I need to replace it and I will be so happy to get rid of the Soundstream and to have a larger, easier to use screen.

Thanks again!
John Hull
2020 Precept 31UL

John-You will need to procure a set of release tools to get the old Soundstream out of the sleeve. They are just a thin metal strap about 1/2" wide and approx 6" long with a short 90 degree bend at the end IIRC. I got mine off ebay but didn't keep them, unfortunately. The tools release a clip on each side of the Soundstream to let it slide out. You may have to do a little detective work to find them.

You will use your existing BU Cam. It is one of the existing inputs to a control relay (my terminology) that Jayco and others call a "switcher". It is located under the dash ........... supposedly very near the radio. (Mine was not there and I cannot even feel it at arms length ......... so I hope it keeps working.) I have included a sketch (you may have to click on it to enlarge) that will help explain the switcher function ....in case you are not an electronics guy (neither am I.) The switcher takes inputs from (1) the LH turn signal camera (2) the RH turn signal camera and (3) the BU camera and routes a video signal from the one selected to the radio to be displayed on the screen. So when you hit reverse the video from your (existing) backup cam is displayed; when you move the turn signal, the selected turn signal camera video is displayed. BTW-any of those actions will override whatever is on your screen;e.g., the Sirus radio screen. SOoo you will have one coax to plug into the radio that provides the 3 functions ............. same as your existing Soundstream.

To keep the backup cam on continuously, I momentarily hit the left or right turn signal. At the top of the screen (showing the side view of the rig) there are 2 bars that say LEFT and REAR. Press the REAR on the screen and the backup cam stays on. Pretty easy to do when driving but I usually have my passenger do it instead. As you know, your rig can drift over the white line, etc in a heartbeat.....at least mine does.

The JVC has many functions/capabilities I don't need so I only connected the speakers, the camera coax from the switcher, power, AM antenna and the Sirius module (daughter's request) and not much else as I recall.

Hope this helps.

On Edit: Release tool on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1743094072...5ir6snrX2aTdNnWQzk3F2haynA==|tkp:BFBM4s6Cxplk

 

[Hullabaloo]

Is an adapter connector needed for camera views?

Ed,
Thanks for all your help and advice! I purchased the JVC unit and I'm having it installed this week. The guy that is going to install it for me asked about the connector for the three cameras. He has changed out other units in the past and he ran into the situation where an adapter connector was needed. Did you need one or did the JVC unit have a direct connector that can just be plugged in? Thanks again for your help.

 

[youracman]

No adapter needed. The video from the under-dash switcher just plugs right into the JVC. That's one area I had to go back on........my pics didn't show it all that well, but the cable/coax from the switcher is smaller than I am used to seeing so I plugged in an old fashioned one in the cable mess back there that said Video on the sticker.......wrong. Now I wish I had photographed that, but your guy will be more astute than I me thinks.

Also, I found that I evidently do not have a powered antenna on the roof for AM........ though I was supposed to have one when built. I took the easy way out and just bought one from Amazon that is stuck on the passenger side window. It works fine; it's very small. There was, in fact a 12v wire to power that antenna ..... Blue IIRC.

Best

 

[Hullabaloo]

Ed,
You have been awesome and so kind to get back with me every time I had a question. Hopefully, I'll get it in later this week. I will let you know how it came out. I'm hoping for complete success!

 

[vicfreg]

Precept 31UL Camera Monitor Upgrade-Part 1

Hi all. New member here. Noted this thread, and thought I would post some information that may be useful to others.

In the process of upgrading my 2021 Precept 31UL camera monitoring. I am not happy with the current set up which uses the in-dash A/V system for the camera monitoring. I am ok with the sound, bluetooth, etc. so not planning on changing the in dash unit out.

So, this will be "Part 1" of my upgrade post. I purchased a camera monitor that will be external and mounted on the drivers side, where the armrest meets the dash. (pictures coming soon). It is made by Rosco, who sell a well built monitor with an integral video camera controller, and quad/split screen capability.

I requested and received the wiring schematics from Jayco, and have been in the dash checking out the wiring. My plan is to abandon the existing camera controller in place, and route the wiring to the new monitor.

fyi, I have attached the Jayco drawings, and a block diagram that I sketched up for planning my upgrade.

I really like the tons of information on this forum. Look forward to learning and contributing.

Thanks,
Vic